Common Myths About Snakes You Can Stop Believing

Snakes can be found in nearly every part of the world, and it's not uncommon for them to show up in yards, garages, or even homes while searching for food or shelter. While many snakes are harmless and even beneficial, some species are venomous and should be handled by a wildlife control professional.

Because snakes often inspire fear and uncertainty, they've also become the subject of many misconceptions. Unfortunately, these myths can lead homeowners to make poor decisions or misunderstand the risks snakes actually pose. Here are five common snake myths you can stop believing.

1. If You See One Snake, There Must Be any More Hiding in the Area

Snakes are generally solitary. There are specific times when one snake may indicate there are others nearby. However, most of the time, if you see one, then you're dealing with one.

Snakes often hibernate, or brumate, with other snakes. The brumation period is usually during the colder months, so if you've spotted a snake as the weather is warming up, it is possible that there's a den nearby. Female snakes with newly hatched young may stay with the young for a couple of weeks or so. Other than that (and when snakes are mating), snakes tend to go off on their own.

2. Snakes Are Only in Rural Areas, Not Suburbs or Cities

Snakes live everywhere. Certain species may stick to rural zones, but suburbs and cities can still be home to other species of snakes.

While you might see more snakes in locations that are rural or near open spaces, any green area can play host to a snake. If your city has a park or, say, a riverside greenspace, those areas could be home to snakes. And if you live near a park or an open area, snakes in search of a snack can wander into your yard.

3. Mothballs Repel Snakes

Mothballs don't do anything to repel snakes, other than creating a stench that might repel you instead. The mothballs themselves can break down and contaminate the ground around them. It's also possible for the chemicals in the mothballs to leach into groundwater supplies.

4. Store-Bought Snake Repellents Always Work

Many commercial snake repellents contain chemicals similar to those found in mothballs, but research on their effectiveness has produced mixed results. While some homeowners report success, it's often difficult to know whether the repellent itself worked or if other changes, such as removing shelter and food sources, played a larger role in reducing snake activity.

If you're looking for a store-bought solution, a properly installed snake guard is generally considered one of the more reliable options for keeping snakes from entering your property.

5. Kill the Snake, and You'll Solve the Problem

Killing one snake will get rid of that one snake. However, if your property is still attractive to snakes, more may show up later on. It’s important to put effective prevention methods in place to prevent other snakes from entering your property.

Prevent Snakes with Critter Guard

Snakes often climb up trees or utility poles and across power lines in search of food. Once there, they frequently end up on roofs and in attics. At Critter Guard, our wildlife control products are designed to prevent snakes and other wildlife from accessing overhead electrical equipment, and therefore your home. For more information about our wildlife control products and how they can help keep snakes out, contact us today!